NAS Box - the motherboard

After serious thinking, I went for BIOSTAR NM70I-1037U motherboard. 

Advantages:
- 4 SATA port
- PCI-E slot (possible upgrade to USB 3.0 or additional SATA drives)

Disadvantages:
- weak CPU cooler
- poor BIOS


Therefore..

I've found copper heatsink for northbridge somewhere in the basement. Screw layout fitted in. It was a bit too large mount. I had to modify it to make it worked. You can buy similar from all express. It is perfect heatsink replacement for NM70I-1037U.

Copper can be bent with just pliers, and after 5 minutes I was done.

The stock fan fits perfectly. I've read on the internet, that people are using Zalman northbridge cooler but it has no fan mount.

Here is the finall result, NM70I-1037U with copper heatsink. I'm really glad about the result.


PS.
I've tried to reach Biostar to get better bios, unfortunately they weren't willing to help me out.

Dear Customer

Interesting setup, unfortunately this motherboard/SOC design is not for overclocking.  There are no plans to add those type of changes, however if you are looking for a mini ITX motherboard with overclocking functions, we can recommend our Hi-Fi B85N 3D.

http://www.biostar.com.tw/app/en/mb/introduction.php?S_ID=746

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NAS Box - the case

 I've found old Antec case online for just 12$. It's made from quality metal and looks pretty darn good. Unfortunately, it does not have special drive bay's and is not 100% black.

I've decided to spray paint it black, and that 's 6$.

I've found 5.25 LCD display for 4$!

I've ordered dust filters from china 4$. 2x 120mm and 1x140mm. The case had no mounts so I had to improvise.

It worked really well.

Total ~26$ spent.

Advantages:

• dust filters everywhere
• 6x 3.5 drive bays
• LCD display with temps
• cost
• satisfaction

Disadvantages:

• no special drive enclosers
• Full-size ATX

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